JANET STERLING SILVER DESIGN

Janet's Personal Site - Favorite Places to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in New York City
(updated January, 2004--I promise to update this page for 2007, because there are SO MANY more new restaurants that I like)--I took some of the old ones off--they're not around anymore!

Aki, (click here for my first restaurant review with photos!) 181 W 4th St (btwn 6th/7th Aves). If you're going, MAKE SURE to get a reservation--this place is tiny! 212-989-5440. The BEST FIND! My mom and I were snowed in last month and I looked online for a traditional Japanese restaurant that would deliver to my store, and this one popped up. The chef-owner, "Siggy" Nakanishi, used to be the private chef to the Japanese Ambassador to the West Indies, so his dishes have a very traditional, high end Japanese flavor, with fabulous blend of tropical touch. The dishes are creative, inventive, and absolutely amazing, and the prices are really reasonable, too. It's my new favorite neighborhood Japanese restaurant! (Posted Jan 2004)

The Chocolate Bar, 48 8thAve (near 12th st?). www.chcolatebarnyc.com. It's just a few blocks from my store, and when I need a chocolate fix (or espresso drinks fix--better and less expensive than Starbucks!), I run down here! I love the decor (Mid-Century Modern), and they have the BEST Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is like a cross between a cookie and a brownie! I like it better than their brownies. And they have amazing chocolate truffles by 2 renown chocolate chefs in NYC, Jacques Torres (my sister worked with him), and the other chef (forgot his name--I think he was at the Tavern on the Green?)--both their chocolates are super decadent... A huge plus for me, too, is I truly appreciate good packaging, and I think they do, too! (Posted Jan 2004)

El Ray Del Sol, 14th St. btween 7th/8th Aves, south side of the street. My new favorite Mexican restaurant, and it's just a block from my store! It's a hole in the wall with Day of the Dead decorations, and in the summer, they have an outdoor garden! I've been there a couple of times now, and everything's been deeeeelectable! I especially love the fact that they make fresh friut margharitas (makes all the difference!), we love their guacamole, and their entrees are really large, so Merv & I usually split an order. We had a beef steak burrito the last time (it had a better name, I just can't remember it right now), and it was super tasty, and the meat was tender, too. Yum! (Posted Jan 2004)

Fiddlesticks Pub & Grill, 54-58 Greenwich Ave (just off 7th Ave). What a find! Sometimes I have a craving for Chicken Pot Pie, and this place definitely has the best one in NYC! It's an Irish Pub, not too crowded on the weekdays, but packed on the weekends. We also give it a thumbs up for the best Wings in Manhattan, and my friend from England swears that they have the best Shepards Pie, too. (Posted Oct 2002)

A Salt & Battery, 112 Greenwich Ave (btwn 7th/8th Aves). This place is right around the corner from my store, and Merv loves their Fish & Chips! It's a tiny take-out type place with very few seats, but we like to eat it on the spot, pipin' hot, so we order food, get a can (doh!) of Boddingtons, and sit on their bench outside for a quick, enjoyable meal. I'm not a fan of their fish, but I really like their Fried Scallops. (Posted Oct 2002)

Shaffer City Oyster Bar & Grill, 5 W. 21st Street (btwn 5th/6th Aves). Reservations recommended: (212) 255-9827. This is our FAVORITE seafood restaurant in our neighborhood! It's not too packed, it's not too fancy, and the food is amazing! I've had the best Seafood Gnocchi there, and a Lobster Potpie to die for! If you like raw oysters, they have an extensive menu of oysters, but don't miss out on their own special hybrid, the Shaffer Cove Oysters! It's on the pricey side for us(but reasonable), so it's our favorite place to treat ourselves! (Posted Oct 2002)

Elmo 533 156 Seventh Ave (btwn 18th/19th St). At night, it's a bit too scene-ster-y for me, but I went there for lunch the other day, and was pleasantly surprised! I had a really delicious veggie burger, and their french fries were absolutely delectable! The decor reminds me of Coffee Shop at Union Square (mid-century modern), the menu is upscale diner-y, and it's reasonably priced. (Posted Oct 2002)

Cafe Riazor 245 West 16th Street (btwn 7th/8th). I always pass by this tiny hole-in-the-wall, located one block north of my store! It's a tapas bar, half street-half basement level, and it is so good! We had sangria, paella, and the best stuffed pepper dish! It's totally low-key, neighborhood type, and they have a jukebox filled with Spanish language songs/artists we couldn't recognize--all the better! We threw in some quarters and picked at random! The food tastes so home-cooked, the cute-but-kind-of-divey decor (not in a bad way; we just get tired of the same ol' upscale yuppy type places sometimes) reminded my husband of San Diego (where he used to live), so we give it an A+!

Basta Pasta, 37 West 17th Street (btwn 5th/6th). Reservations not necessary, but recommended: 212-366-0888. It's Japanese interpretation of Italian food! The prices aren't bad, the food is good--they have an interesting menu of both straight Italian food and Japanese-Italian (like spaghetti with fish cod and shiso).
Republic, 37 Union Square, delivery 212-627-7168. It's a stylish noodle shop & bar near where I live, that has reasonable prices for that neighborhood. My husband really likes their Spicy Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup, and I love their Salmon Sashimi Salad.

Sakagura, 211 E. 43rd. Reservations recommended: 212-953-7253. It's kind of hard to find, since it looks like an office building, but go in through the building entrance and go down to the basement and it's right there. Very authentic Japanese drinking restaurant; serves only scrumptious appetizers that are on the hard-core side. Extensive sake menu, and for the sake neophytes, they have sake samplers sets depending on your food selection. Looks and feels like you've been transported to Tokyo via Trekkie technology....

Broome Street Bar, corner of Broome St. and W. Broadway. I had to move this up a bit because it definitely is the best cheeseburgers in town, served in a pita with full-fat, non-baked chips. And, they've got Boddington's on tap, too!

Tomoe Sushi, Thompson between Bleeker and Houston. Pros: best sushi in the village with an authentic Japanese menu and authentic Japanese transplant waiters and chefs. Cons: long line if you go after 6:30pm, and they only take cash or AmEx.

Noho Star, corner of Lafayette and Bleeker. I live for their calamari salad.

La Mazou Cheese Shop, 3rd Ave at 27th Street. They have the BEST gourmet sandwiches on the planet and the owner, Aziz, makes the most delectable Iced Cappucino…

Café Asean, 117 West 10th Street (bet. 6th Ave. & Greenwich). Our favorite neighborhood eating spot because of their amazing appetizers. Be warned: cash only!

Nha Trang, Baxter, right across the street from the maximum security prison in Chinatown. Delicious Pho. Super fast service, and if you have jury duty in downtown Manhattan, it's a 2 block walk!

Zen Palate, Union Square East. They have really scrumptuous vegetarian food--Mmmmm…tastes like chicken! Amazing how far soy products have come! Excellent taro spring roll, too.

Corner Bistro, W. 4th at Jane? The best heart attack special on a plate: the Bistro Burger. Cheese, bacon, you name it, it's on there.

Duke’s, 19th off Park. We love their Fried Calamari with Jalapeno Dip appetizer. Yum!

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				Janet's Personal Site - Favorite Places to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in New York City (updated January, 2004--I promise to update this page for 2007, because there are SO MANY more new restaurants that I like)--I took some of the old ones off--they're not around anymore! Aki, (click here for my first restaurant review with photos!) 181 W 4th St (btwn 6th/7th Aves). If you're going, MAKE SURE to get a reservation--this place is tiny! 212-989-5440. The BEST FIND! My mom and I were snowed in last month and I looked online for a traditional Japanese restaurant that would deliver to my store, and this one popped up. The chef-owner, "Siggy" Nakanishi, used to be the private chef to the Japanese Ambassador to the West Indies, so his dishes have a very traditional, high end Japanese flavor, with fabulous blend of tropical touch. The dishes are creative, inventive, and absolutely amazing, and the prices are really reasonable, too. It's my new favorite neighborhood Japanese restaurant! (Posted Jan 2004) The Chocolate Bar, 48 8thAve (near 12th st?). www.chcolatebarnyc.com. It's just a few blocks from my store, and when I need a chocolate fix (or espresso drinks fix--better and less expensive than Starbucks!), I run down here! I love the decor (Mid-Century Modern), and they have the BEST Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is like a cross between a cookie and a brownie! I like it better than their brownies. And they have amazing chocolate truffles by 2 renown chocolate chefs in NYC, Jacques Torres (my sister worked with him), and the other chef (forgot his name--I think he was at the Tavern on the Green?)--both their chocolates are super decadent... A huge plus for me, too, is I truly appreciate good packaging, and I think they do, too! (Posted Jan 2004) El Ray Del Sol, 14th St. btween 7th/8th Aves, south side of the street. My new favorite Mexican restaurant, and it's just a block from my store! It's a hole in the wall with Day of the Dead decorations, and in the summer, they have an outdoor garden! I've been there a couple of times now, and everything's been deeeeelectable! I especially love the fact that they make fresh friut margharitas (makes all the difference!), we love their guacamole, and their entrees are really large, so Merv & I usually split an order. We had a beef steak burrito the last time (it had a better name, I just can't remember it right now), and it was super tasty, and the meat was tender, too. Yum! (Posted Jan 2004) Fiddlesticks Pub & Grill, 54-58 Greenwich Ave (just off 7th Ave). What a find! Sometimes I have a craving for Chicken Pot Pie, and this place definitely has the best one in NYC! It's an Irish Pub, not too crowded on the weekdays, but packed on the weekends. We also give it a thumbs up for the best Wings in Manhattan, and my friend from England swears that they have the best Shepards Pie, too. (Posted Oct 2002) A Salt & Battery, 112 Greenwich Ave (btwn 7th/8th Aves). This place is right around the corner from my store, and Merv loves their Fish & Chips! It's a tiny take-out type place with very few seats, but we like to eat it on the spot, pipin' hot, so we order food, get a can (doh!) of Boddingtons, and sit on their bench outside for a quick, enjoyable meal. I'm not a fan of their fish, but I really like their Fried Scallops. (Posted Oct 2002) Shaffer City Oyster Bar & Grill, 5 W. 21st Street (btwn 5th/6th Aves). Reservations recommended: (212) 255-9827. This is our FAVORITE seafood restaurant in our neighborhood! It's not too packed, it's not too fancy, and the food is amazing! I've had the best Seafood Gnocchi there, and a Lobster Potpie to die for! If you like raw oysters, they have an extensive menu of oysters, but don't miss out on their own special hybrid, the Shaffer Cove Oysters! It's on the pricey side for us(but reasonable), so it's our favorite place to treat ourselves! (Posted Oct 2002) Elmo 533 156 Seventh Ave (btwn 18th/19th St). At night, it's a bit too scene-ster-y for me, but I went there for lunch the other day, and was pleasantly surprised! I had a really delicious veggie burger, and their french fries were absolutely delectable! The decor reminds me of Coffee Shop at Union Square (mid-century modern), the menu is upscale diner-y, and it's reasonably priced. (Posted Oct 2002) Cafe Riazor 245 West 16th Street (btwn 7th/8th). I always pass by this tiny hole-in-the-wall, located one block north of my store! It's a tapas bar, half street-half basement level, and it is so good! We had sangria, paella, and the best stuffed pepper dish! It's totally low-key, neighborhood type, and they have a jukebox filled with Spanish language songs/artists we couldn't recognize--all the better! We threw in some quarters and picked at random! The food tastes so home-cooked, the cute-but-kind-of-divey decor (not in a bad way; we just get tired of the same ol' upscale yuppy type places sometimes) reminded my husband of San Diego (where he used to live), so we give it an A+! Basta Pasta, 37 West 17th Street (btwn 5th/6th). Reservations not necessary, but recommended: 212-366-0888. It's Japanese interpretation of Italian food! The prices aren't bad, the food is good--they have an interesting menu of both straight Italian food and Japanese-Italian (like spaghetti with fish cod and shiso). Republic, 37 Union Square, delivery 212-627-7168. It's a stylish noodle shop & bar near where I live, that has reasonable prices for that neighborhood. My husband really likes their Spicy Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup, and I love their Salmon Sashimi Salad. Sakagura, 211 E. 43rd. Reservations recommended: 212-953-7253. It's kind of hard to find, since it looks like an office building, but go in through the building entrance and go down to the basement and it's right there. Very authentic Japanese drinking restaurant; serves only scrumptious appetizers that are on the hard-core side. Extensive sake menu, and for the sake neophytes, they have sake samplers sets depending on your food selection. Looks and feels like you've been transported to Tokyo via Trekkie technology.... Broome Street Bar, corner of Broome St. and W. Broadway. I had to move this up a bit because it definitely is the best cheeseburgers in town, served in a pita with full-fat, non-baked chips. And, they've got Boddington's on tap, too! Tomoe Sushi, Thompson between Bleeker and Houston. Pros: best sushi in the village with an authentic Japanese menu and authentic Japanese transplant waiters and chefs. Cons: long line if you go after 6:30pm, and they only take cash or AmEx. Noho Star, corner of Lafayette and Bleeker. I live for their calamari salad. La Mazou Cheese Shop, 3rd Ave at 27th Street. They have the BEST gourmet sandwiches on the planet and the owner, Aziz, makes the most delectable Iced Cappucino… Café Asean, 117 West 10th Street (bet. 6th Ave. & Greenwich). Our favorite neighborhood eating spot because of their amazing appetizers. Be warned: cash only! Nha Trang, Baxter, right across the street from the maximum security prison in Chinatown. Delicious Pho. Super fast service, and if you have jury duty in downtown Manhattan, it's a 2 block walk! Zen Palate, Union Square East. They have really scrumptuous vegetarian food--Mmmmm…tastes like chicken! Amazing how far soy products have come! Excellent taro spring roll, too. Corner Bistro, W. 4th at Jane? The best heart attack special on a plate: the Bistro Burger. Cheese, bacon, you name it, it's on there. Duke’s, 19th off Park. We love their Fried Calamari with Jalapeno Dip appetizer. Yum!
Home \| About Us \| Testimonials \| Ads & Press \| FAQs \| Return & Exchange Policy \| Contact \| Privacy Policy Copyright © Janet Sterling Silver Design, 2004. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.